Partial relinquishment report for ELs 6288, 6289, 6292, 6293 and 6296-6298, Roper River

Abstract

Exploration for diamonds, base metals and gold was carried out over the relinquished portions of ELs 6288-6289, 6292-6293 and 6296-6298 during 1989-1991. Diamond exploration involved a programme of regional reconnaissance stream sediment sampling; selected follow up stream and loam sampling; follow up ground magnetic surveys to aerial magnetic surveys; and selected drilling of ground magnetic targets. Rare kimberlitic indicator minerals produced by reconnaissance sampling were not repeated by follow up work and heavy mineral dispersion trails could not be identified. drilling of selected magnetic anomalies did not intersect any ultramafic rocks. No economic dimondiferous deposits are considered to exist in the dropped ground. Geochemical samples were collected at all heavy mineral sample sites and formed the basis of a regional geochemical interpretation. This led to further sampling for primarily cu, Pb, Zn and Au by SPL and a joint venture involvement with Poseidon Exploration Limited. Good sample coverage and assessment of the economic potential of the relinquished ground has determined that no economic base metals or gold deposits exist within the area.